Emergency response to agricultural and veterinary chemical incidents

Under the Victorian Emergency Management Act 1986, Chemical Standards Branch (CSB) has the lead responsibility for incidences relating to agricultural and veterinary chemical use. Chemical Standards Branch is responsible for responding appropriately to agricultural and veterinary chemical use incidents, and for implementing risk minimisation strategies to affected agricultural enterprises.

This role includes:

• Investigating significant spray drift incidences involving damage or contamination to crops, pasture, animals or other lands (public or private) as a result of aerial or ground spraying of agricultural chemicals
• Implementing strategies to manage contaminated agricultural produce
• Liaising with peak industry bodies or government agencies (State and Commonwealth) to manage real or potential residue risks.